docpsb

Can anyone recomend some interesting places in San Fran to visit using the Bart. I will not have a car during my visit. I have been to SF previously seeing the standard sites Fisherman's Warf, Lombard St. etc. I am looking more for intersting parts of the city to just walk around , look at interesting book and music shops and attractions etc . I will be going after the afternoon weekend baseball games in Oakland so after 5PM. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Also any moderately priced place to eat for a solo traveler from out of town that might be unique? Thanks for your help!

J62

Is there are particular reason you're limiting yourself to BART, and not Muni or surface trams or bus?

DebitNM

Perhaps the OP is thinking BART is the term for all of SF public transit.

BART is more a commuter rail line than a tourist public transit thing. It is great to get from airports to city and to other nearby cities but as J62 says, there are much better ways to get to neighborhoods in the city proper.

As far as interesting areas to walk around -

If you want a book store - Citylights in North Beach is a must and the neighborhood is great for an explore too:
http://www.citylights.com/

The Castro is a great place to explore too. Take the historic F street car to get there.

As far as restaurants are concerned, there are 100's of place, really way more than that. It of course depends on which neighborhood you find yourself in and what you consider moderate and unique.

starrs

How long has it been since you've visited the city? If it's been a while, be sure to check out the renovated Ferry Building and its shops and restaurants -

http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/


The last time I was in the city I looked for a place for afternoon tea. The one I found was on the J Muni line and I enjoyed walking around a neighborhood I'd not visited before.
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/About/aboutus.html

I also took a walking tour of the Noe Valley
http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=55

There are some good restaurants in the area you may enjoy.

One of my favorite (almost free) evening events was riding the cable car from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf, walking a couple of blocks to catch the streetcar, riding it to Castro, walking around and taking the streetcar back to Union Square (and my hotel). The cable car ride was like a magic carpet ride on a beautiful SF night and I loved the loop through the city.

StuDudley

>>restaurants, there are 100's of place

DebitNM

LOL.
I know that Stu! I meant in each neighborhood.

docpsb

Thanks for your responses.. I was thinking the Bart since its right by the baseball stadium that I will be at and convienent. I will look into other means of transportation as suggested. I was in San Fran about 15 years ago.

StuDudley

Where are you getting your info???? BART is not "right by" the baseball stadium.

Stu Dudley

docpsb

Stu..its right by the Oakland baseball/football stadium no?
I will not be at At+t park in San Fran..the Oakland stadium.
Also read your teriffic reviews of San Fran..great stufff..
Can you also recommend a good used video and CD store in San Fran?
Thanks Again.

easytraveler

If you want to eat early, then ride BART into San Francisco, get off at the Powell Street Station, which is on the corner of Powell and Market. As you exit the BART station, you'll be on Market Street. Cross Market Street to the Westfield San Francisco Center. In the Westfield Center go down to the lowest level which is called the "Concourse". You'll find a bunch of upscale eateries with very reasonable prices. A sit down restaurant will charge you at least twice the price for the same kind of food. This is not Kansas any more, Toto, so it's not your normal food court either.

http://www.bigmallrat.com/shopping-m...co-centre.html

http://www.westfield.com/sanfrancisc...?category=2043

Weekdays, the Westfield Center closes at 8:30pm.

There's also a gourmet food store called Bristol Farms down there. You can get "exotic items" there such as cheeses from Europe or Hawaiian poke to make up your own "picnic" which you can then eat at a table in the large central dining area.

Enjoy!

janisj

Are you staying in a hotel/motel near the Coliseum, or just attending a game?

Give us more details -- that is not the nicest/safest area to stay.

docpsb

I'm staying near the Coliseum in Oakland. I know its not the best area. Stayed there last year just overnight to attend a football game. The hotel offers shuttle service pickup from the Bart station until midnight so thats why I'm kinda leaning towards using the Bart as well. Wouldn't want to be walking on my own after 11pm.

StuDudley

>>Can you also recommend a good used video and CD store in San Fran?

sf7307

Another alternative, also accessible by BART, is Berkeley, which I mention because there are several used record/CD stores on Telegraph Avenue (Rasputin and Amoeba).

hazel1

Jeez, I wouldn't even want to be AT the BART station late at night when there are no event crowds around, waiting for a shuttle pick-up. If you're going into San Francisco anyway, why not just stay there instead of returning to that hell hole of a neighborhood across the bay?

hazel1

I meant to say at the Coliseum BART station.

sf7307

I agree with hazel, why not take BART into the city to sleep and have the whole day and then return to Oakland (by BART) for the games?

janisj

I agree -- stay in SF (or even Emeryville) and take Bart TO the game and back, I wouldn't stay near the stadium.

(I did many times over the years because of work requirements but would NEVER stay there if I had any other choices)

Wellvis

Regardless of why the original poster chooses to stay in Oakland, here are some recommended BART stops you might find interesting:
1) Glen Park. When you exit the station, you're right in the Glen Park neighborhood. I highly recommend Gialina for pizza (http://www.gialina.com), but La Ciccia, Le P'tit Laurent, and Chenery Park are also recommended.
2) 16th and Mission. When you exit the station, head west on 16th towards Valencia Street, then head down Valencia Street. Many interesting shops, great taquerias (La Cumbre, El Toro, etc.) and some interesting bars.
3) 24th and Mission. When you exit the station head south on Mission. There's a good number of eating places, including Rosamunde Sausage Grill, Mission Pie, Dianda's Bakery, etc. West of there on Valencia Street and north on Valencia, you'll find a few shops and more restaurants (things start getting more interesting around 22nd Street). Mission Street around 24th and north is both seedy and invigorating. Keep your wits about you and you'll have a fine time.
Stations that aren't that interesting and probably not worth a stop unless you live there would include anything south of Balboa Park.

docpsb

Honestly I'm staying in Oakland becuase the hotels are much cheaper than in SF. I know what I'm getting into, stayed overnight last year for a Raiders game...and its not pretty by any means. I really am strapped financially due to this wonderful economy, and really have to watch. I appreciate your suggestions and now have plenty of interesting places to see and eat thanks to everyone!
Regarding the used cds stores Amoeba and Rasputin, which stop on the Bart is more accessable to get to them ..the Downtown Berkeley or North Berkeley stop.